Subsonic Records' sophomore release is the debut from Aussies Dylan Griffin and Chad B, complete with remixes from Alexkid and Monika Ross...

The Australian legend goes like this: About two and a half hours drive from Sydney located on the banks of a mountain river in the foothills of the Barrington Tops World Heritage Wilderness area, lies paradise. Bliss even.

So once a year revellers from all over Australia flock to this beautiful rural area known as the Monkerai Valley to worship SATAN…. wait, what? No, sorry that’s not what happens there. (In fact, Satanists don't really worship anything). It’s actually the venue for the Subsonic Music Festival which many rate as one of Australia’s best. We’ve never been there, but we’ve heard it’s fkg prime time so go check it out.

The ballers behind the festival must be ballin’ hard ‘cause they started a record label called Subsonic Music, and so far the sonics on it is anything but subpar. Their latest release, 'Highly Swung', from locals Dylan Griffin and Chad B, is another step in the right direction.

Dylan .jpg — Dylan griffin

The AU Undeground Numero Uno...

As CEO, executive and chief financier of the AU Underground brand, Griffin knows a thing or two about subterranean tunes, and together with Chad B, a long time friend of Griffin and collaborator of AU Underground, they have created an unfussy debut release that should receive much airtime on the cooler dancefloors. The fact it's called ‘Highly Swung’ is very apt, as it does have much swing in it. We would say more swing than a wingers party filled with 20 swingers doing their thang - WITHOUT CONDOMS. Intense.

The production on ‘Highly Strung’ does let it down… IF YOU DON’T HAVE EARS. Seriously though, this track is the work of bona fide studio rats, those that have forgone many relationships and hours of sleep in search of the Perfect Sound. Judging from this release they might have found it: the hi-hats are crispier than a pack of Doritos, the bass urges you to be its friend, and the intricate percussive pattern, which seems to pop in and out of existence, makes an excellent case to verify the concept of quantum entanglement. It's almost impossible to deny the track's charms.

Monika Ross.jpg — Monika Ross

Her drunk basslines are very entertaining...

The remixes come from Germany's Alexkid and another Aussie, Monika Ross. Mr Kid takes the original and, without a hint of irony, turns the ‘swing’ into ‘funky’, updating the bassline into a rhythm that is utterly undeniable. It is sleazy, sexy and has its sights set on YOU.

Monika Ross’ effort is deep… BRUH… D.E.E.E.E.E.P. And in the most unexpected way too. Here the bassline had a rough day and decided to go to the bar to drink its troubles away. It got way too drunk and started stumbling all over the place trying to get your attention. At first you watch in horror, but then you warm up to it, realising this is harmless; actually, it is quite entertaining, and HEY EVERYONE CHECK THIS OUT! Haha, before you know it the whole bar is standing around, recording the drunk bassline on their phones and having a great time laughing with it (not at it). No one knows why they enjoy the moment so much so they just go with it 'cause it feels good. I guess that is the magic of Monika Ross' production. So yeah, this is a sweet remix.

Minimal and to the point, this release is the antidote for anyone who is legit highly strung and needs to unwind, tailor-made for those moments when you are too familiar with the dance floor and want to get lost.